'Focus on Cricket': Rohit Sharma's Response To Ex-Australian Players, Media On Their 'Doctored Pitch' Accusation Ahead Of Nagpur Test

IND vs AUS: India captain Rohit Sharma doesn't seem too perturbed by all the noise.

India's captain Rohit Sharma reacts during a press conference at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur on February 8, 2023, on the eve of the first Test cricket match between India and Australia.

Source : AFP

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is all set to get underway with the first Test of the four-match series to begin on February 09 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. One can already sense the tension in air especially with the way remarks, comments and mind games are being played between the members of both the teams. Some of the Australian journalists and former cricketers have gone on to accuse India of doctoring Nagpur pitch, even demanding an ICC intervention in the matter with the first ball of the series yet to be bowled.

However, India captain Rohit Sharma doesn't seem too perturbed by all the noise. When quizzed about the allegations of the pitch being doctored at a press conference suggested that the focus should instead be on cricket rather than the pitch.

"Speaking about doctored pitches, I just feel like, focus on the cricket that is going to be played in the next five days and not worry too much about the pitch. The last series that we played here, a lot was said about the pitches. After all, the 22 guys out there are all quality players. So don't worry about what the pitches are going to be like, how much will it turn, how much will it seam. Just come out and play good cricket, win the game as simple as that," the 'Hitman' said on the day prior to the match.

The Indian skipper suggested that the home team are expecting turning tracks but there are a plethora of options that the individual batters could come out with to tackle the situation. He even said that the leaders of both the sides will plan based on their assessment of the conditions and what could be on offer as far as the wicket is concerned.

"It is important to have a plan and figure out a way. Everyone has a different method. Some like to sweep, some reverse, some hitting over the bowler's head. You need to rotate the strike and sometimes you need to counterattack. The captains would obviously try different things and change fields and bowlers. So you need to plan and play accordingly," Rohit added.

The 35-year-old admitted that it would be hard to leave some of the boys out but pointed out that it is a good sign that most players are in good form which gives them options going forward as different skills would be required in different conditions.